TUMI and AT&T launches ‘Internet of Things’ global locator device for luggage

The gadget uses GPS, GSM, WIFI and Bluetooth technology to track the location of the item of luggage or bag in which it has been placed. Continue reading →

Travel lifestyle brand TUMI and Internet of Things (IoT) specialist AT&T have launched the TUMI Global Locator, a wireless tracking device for luggage.

The gadget uses GPS, GSM, WIFI and Bluetooth technology to track the location of the item of luggage or bag in which it has been placed.

The device delivers real-time data, via the free mobile application available for both Android and iOS devices.

The hardware and patented technology for the device was designed and developed by LugTrack, a New Jersey based technology company.

Rob Cooper, general manager, North America at TUMI, said: “We understand that one of the most stressful parts of any journey is the risk of losing your luggage, be that temporarily or permanently.

“The goal of the TUMI Global Locator is to make this a concern of the past, giving our customers a peace of mind and ensuring a more enjoyable travel experience.

“TUMI’s Global Locator embodies all this with the focus on safeguarding our customers’ belongings.”

Joe Mosele, vice president of business development, Internet of Things solutions, AT&T, said: “As the Internet of Things (IoT) grows, consumers and businesses have a desire to remain connected in a bigger way than ever before, regardless of whether they are at home or on the go.

“By providing connectivity for the TUMI Global Locator, AT&T lets travellers around the world remain tapped into a more connected life.”

The Global Locator offers four modes: travel, sleep, hotel and Proximity.

Travel mode tracks a bag’s location every 20-30 minutes and builds a history of where a bag has been.

In compliance with FAA requirements, the Global Locator powers-down upon take off to remain in an idle state during flight.

Upon landing, the locator automatically wakes up and sends a notification to the connected device, informing the user of the bag’s location.

While the device automatically enters sleep mode during flight, the user also has the option to activate the  mode at any time.

Hotel mode allows the user to ensure the bag containing the Global Locator stays in one location, by recognizing the designated location as its ‘Home Base’.

Proximity mode uses Bluetooth technology to allow the user to tether the bag containing the TUMI Global Locator to a connected device, such as a mobile phone.  In the event of an unexpected movement, the connected device then receives an alert.